Otaru

Japanese town using ninja to correct impolite inbound tourist behavior

Ninja welcome you to Otaru, and want you to follow the rules while you’re here.

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We check out Otaru’s real-life locales that inspired scenes in hit anime Golden Kamuy

Our reporter takes a northern pilgrimage to an important port city in Hokkaido in search of runaway trains, skewered sweet dumplings, and more.

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Why Does Engrish Happen in Japan? 30-year-old fart-related signage mistake edition

Otaru will no longer direct drivers to the town fart.

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A random stranger (or possibly a river spirit) gives us a ramen recommendation by a frozen stream

He also makes a startling invitation.

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“Hey, Japanese taxi driver, take us to the best seafood joint in Otaru!”

What happens when we put our faith in a cab driver for local restaurant recommendations in Hokkaido?

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Japanese association loses faith in users following non-return of 1,100 free loan umbrellas

Loan services could be set to disappear with organisations now running dangerously low on stock.

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